Sony Digital Cinema today announced it is expanding the choice of 3D technology in European countries by introducing a new 3D offering for the cinema industry.

The new solution, now available across Europe, will mean exhibitors can show 3D content on two of Sony DCI-compliant 4K projectors: the SRX-R320SP and the SRX-R515P. Each of the projectors will work alongside a polarising filter system (the LKRA-005) and Sony’s unique 3D dual lenses. The 3D format together with the 4K projection will ensure an unparalleled picture quality, allowing exhibitors and cinema owners to deliver a fully immersive entertainment experience.

The solution reaffirms Sony’s position as a leading provider of digital cinema solutions by providing exhibitors with a wide variety of choice when it comes to showing content.           

Sony Digital Cinema offers 3D without triple-flash

The Sony Digital Cinema 4K advanced dual lens 3D system shows two images to both eyes simultaneously for a more natural “easy on the eye” viewing, reflecting the way human vision works naturally.  The result gives a depth of field and experience so lifelike that viewers can feel like they are part of the action. Conventional single lens triple-flash 3D systems present the images to the left eye only and then the right eye only in total up to 144 times per second. The Sony 3D on 4K dual lens solution significantly reduces flicker which may be apparent to some viewers on alternative systems.

David McIntosh, Senior Vice President, Sony Digital Cinema said: “I believe the arrival of our new 3D system really cements Sony as the total solution provider for cinema. With the projection system, server, theatre management system, remote monitoring and field support all available from Sony and our dealer partners we can deliver a truly superior visual experience for all our customers. Together with our VPF Program and finance solutions we are proud to continue to build our long term commitment to the Cinema industry.”        

Sony’s new offering is already in high demand. Premiere Cinemas is the first cinema in Europe to be equipped with Sony Digital Cinema 3D. Located in the Park Hostivar shopping centre in Prague, it will be able to support 3D films on four of its eight screens.

David Jelinek of Premiere Cinemas commented: “The new Sony 3D Cinema solution has had a significant impact on our business. Not only does it mean we can offer a greater variety of content to customers, but it helps bring the films to life, making viewers feel closer to the action and creating a truly immersive viewing experience.

“For us, the decision to select Sony Digital Cinema 3D was easy”, agreed David Horaček, also of Premiere Cinemas. “As the only 4K multiplex in Prague, we expect the quality of a 3D presentation to match that of our 2D screenings. With Sony Digital Cinema 3D, we have achieved that goal and our customers can now enjoy the best movie experience possible in the Czech Republic.”          

Industry Leading Solution

The Sony Digital Cinema 4K advanced dual lens 3D system also enables cinema exhibitors to use high frame rate (HFR) technology, without the technical restrictions that alternative 3D systems face. As the Sony 3D solution is not flash-based, customers are not required to change flash rate, from triple to double or single, and both the projector and 3D filter system are synchronised.

Sony’s SRX-R320SP and SRX-R515P 4K projectors are fully compliant with the Digital Cinema Imitative (DCI). This joint venture, formed in 2002 by Walt Disney Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures Corporation, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., and Universal Studios Inc, ensures that exhibitors are using the most advanced technology by outlining a standard architecture for digital cinema systems.